This pattern is very dear to my heart. It is being released in Honour of Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada. This Indigenous Mother doll represents First Nations parents everywhere who were separated from their children when they were forced into residential schools to “assimilate” them. I want to bring awareness to the rich cultures of the Indigenous peoples of Canada. In my area, the Blackfoot language is almost extinct, as is much of the rich cultural traditions of this and surrounding tribes. I am proud to be Metis, and wish I knew more about the culture of my tribe (Shuswap tribe in British Columbia), where my First Nations heritage stems from.

The sample doll in the photos will be presented to a member of the blood tribe (a First Nations mother herself), whose Grandfather wrote the Blackfoot dictionary, a language that was formerly only spoken), to help preserve this language for future generations. I hope this doll helps remind many of the significance of the rich cultures that surround us, and inspires us to help preserve them.

As the suggested yarn for this pattern is discontinued, please feel free to look through notes and photos from my pattern testers (projects linked to this pattern) for other yarn and yardage recommendations.